De Smet, South Dakota Public Records

The state requires registration 15 days before an election, though same-day registration is available at the polls on Election Day for those who bring proper identification and proof of residence. Acceptable ID includes a South Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or other government-issued photo identification. The city operates as a municipal corporation with an elected government. Municipal elections for the De Smet City Council and mayor are typically held in April of odd-numbered years, following South Dakota's general municipal election schedule. The next municipal election will be held in April 2025, with city council seats and potentially the mayor's office on the ballot depending on term expirations. Candidate filing information, local ballot measures, and municipal election results are available through De Smet City Hall at 106 Calumet Avenue SE (phone: 605-854-3339) and the Kingsbury County Auditor. Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Auditor at 605-854-3841 or checking the South Dakota Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://vip.sdsos.gov/wheretovote.aspx. South Dakota makes certain election records publicly accessible, including voter registration lists available to candidates, political parties, and others for election related purposes under SDCL 12-4-48. Campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State can be searched at https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/campaign-finance/, and the public can access candidate filings, statements, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 presidential election, Kingsbury County reported voter turnout of approximately 70-75% of registered voters, consistent with South Dakota's traditionally high participation rates in presidential elections. The county, like most rural South Dakota counties, showed strong support for Republican candidates in federal and state races. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the community and throughout Kingsbury County will decide several significant races. South Dakota will not have a U.S. Senate seat on the ballot in 2026 since both senators are elected in presidential years, but voters will elect a U.S. Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district. The South Dakota Governor's office will be on the ballot in 2026, along with other statewide constitutional officers including Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Commissioner of School and Public Lands, and Public Utilities Commission. State legislative races will include South Dakota Senate and House seats for the district covering Kingsbury County, which is District 8. County-level races in 2026 will include Kingsbury County Commission seats, Sheriff, State's Attorney, Auditor, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and other county offices depending on term schedules. Voters should verify specific local races and ballot questions by contacting the Kingsbury County Auditor closer to the election. South Dakota offers absentee voting for any registered voter who prefers not to vote in person. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Kingsbury County Auditor's office or downloadable from https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/absentee-voting.aspx. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. The day before the election. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail and must be received by Election Day, delivered in person to the Auditor's office, or cast during early voting at the Auditor's office beginning 46 days before the election. South Dakota does not require an excuse for absentee voting, making it available to all registered voters as a convenience option.